Man in court over armed extortion attempt

A man appeared in court today charged with firing a shotgun and aggravated robbery yesterday at Tokoroa in south Waikato.

The 39-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated robbery and discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He appeared in Tokoroa District Court today and was remanded in custody to reappear on January 19.

Police were called out to a block of flats in Clyde Street about 11am after shots were heard.

One of the flats' occupants appeared to have been the victim of a failed extortion attempt during which a sawn off shotgun was pointed at him, police said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce said it was thought the gun was fired twice during a struggle for control over the weapon. No-one was injured.

Members of the Rotorua Armed Offenders squad as well as police from Taupo and Tokoroa searched two properties and arrested the 39-year-old man. A firearm was also recovered.

An 18-year-old Tokoroa man was later also arrested and charged with receiving the victim's stolen vehicle and was bailed to appear in Tokoroa District Court on Wednesday.

A 16-year-old found in the vehicle with had been referred to youth aid, poice said.

- NZHERALD STAFF